AP-AR--Arkansas News Digest 1:30 pm, AR

August 10, 2018

Hello! Here’s a look at how AP’s general news coverage is shaping up in Arkansas. Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP-Little Rock bureau aparkansas@ap.org or 1-800-715-7291.

The Little Rock bureau is reachable at: 501-225-3668.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date. All times are Central.

Some TV and radio stations will receive shorter APNewsNow versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

ROGERS, Ark. — Arkansas counties are pushing to increase the fee on cellphones for 911 emergency response services. The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that counties hope to at least double the fee to 65 cents per month. 250 words.

IN BRIEF:

— STUDENT TRANSFERS — A federal judge is refusing to block Arkansas students in four districts from transferring to nearby districts pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the Arkansas School Choice Act, which allows such transfers.

— ARKANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL-RECORDS — An Arkansas Democratic Party official is asking a judge to require the state Department of Human Services to release Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s entire personnel file from her time as a lawyer for the agency.

— OKLAHOMA DROUGHT-DISASTER DECLARATION — Gov. Mary Fallin’s office says four counties in northeastern Oklahoma have been designated disaster areas because of drought, making farmers and ranchers eligible for federal assistance — with farmers and ranchers in adjoining counties in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas also eligible.

IN SPORTS:

FOOTBALL:

FBC--ARKANSAS-CHAVIS’ CHANGE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — For all the talk about the offensive change under new Arkansas coach Chad Morris, it’s the defensive overhaul under first-year defensive coordinator John Chavis that could determine whether the Razorbacks reach a bowl game this season. Arkansas allowed 36.2 points per game last season, 114th in the country, but the Razorbacks are confident experience and Chavis’ influence will help them improve this season. By Kurt Voigt. 550 words.

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